IRVINE, Calif. 9/13/06 -- Long-time sales and management executive David Pfeiffer has been named the new president for Shimano American Corporation, the Irvine, Calif.-based bicycle component and fishing tackle manufacturer, announces Kozo Shimano, current Shimano American president. Pfeiffer’s new role is effective December 1, at which time Kozo Shimano will move into a senior executive position for corporate advocacy and public relations, enabling him to pursue both his personal and company interests in growing the bicycle and fishing tackle markets.

“David has extensive experience in all phases of our business, having been involved in regional and national sales, marketing, product development and administration,” said Kozo Shimano. “His leadership for our U.S. fishing tackle division has brought us both sales growth and added respect among anglers and retailers for the quality and dependability of our rods and reels.”

As president for Shimano American Corp., Pfeiffer will oversee all functions of Shimano’s bicycle component business in the U.S. and Canada. For Shimano’s fishing tackle business, he will be in charge of operations in the U.S. and Canada, along with sales and marketing efforts in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Joining Shimano American Corp. in 1988, Pfeiffer has served as executive vice president for North American operations since 2000, and prior was vice president for the fishing tackle division since 1997. He’s been instrumental in Shimano’s rod business growth, and the introduction of the Butterfly Jigging System and all its product elements. Pfeiffer serves on the board of directors for the Shimano-owned subsidiary G.Loomis, Inc., the Woodland. Wash.-based fishing rod manufacturer, and just recently completed a two-year term as chairman of the board for the American Sportfishing Association.

Involved for more than 20 years in the company started by his grandfather in 1921, Kozo Shimano has served in numerous sales and marketing roles for the U.S. bicycle component division, moving up to the president position in 2000. Kozo and his teams in product development and marketing played the lead in Shimano’s assistance with bicycle components for Lance Armstrong’s dominance at the Tour de France.

He has had personal involvement in the company’s on-going advocacy efforts, including Shimano’s partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, fishing and land access issues with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and groups including the International Mountain Biking Association, and the League of American Bicyclists’ who are responsible for the ‘Bike to Work Day’ campaign. He currently serves on the board of directors executive committee for the Bikes Belong Coalition.

“My move into a corporate advocacy and public relations role focuses on our global mission statement - To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us,” said Kozo Shimano. “We feel it is extremely important that our efforts to grow the interest and participation in bicycling and fishing worldwide, and our involvement with user groups, trade associations and government agencies in those efforts, is spearheaded by someone directly connected to the Shimano family.

Kozo Shimano will stay involved in senior management decisions for the bicycle component division during a transitional period, while also working with the corporate social responsibility teams at Shimano facilities in the U.S., Canada and around the world on plans and programs.